Abstract. A three‐generation consanguineous Caucasian family in which 2 siblings have autosomal recessive cataracts and the phenotype I negative, i positive is described.

Radioimmunoassay (RIA) using Austria II (Abbott) was found to be more sensitive for the detection of HBsAg than the Hepanostika Micro-Elisa system (Organon Teknika), by a factor of 5- to 20-fold for subtype 'ad' (with one exception), and 2- to 5-fold for subtype 'ay'. The sensitivities of RIA and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) have also been evaluated in the screening of 178 selected serum samples contributed by 7 different laboratories. Of these, 149 were found to be positive for HBsAg by RIA, 142 were positive by Elisa and 36 were positive by CEP.

No abstract

Many transfusion reactions are iatrogenic in origin and reflect a lack of understanding of the indications for transfusion as well as a failure to appreciate what can be achieved with this form of therapy. The importance of anticipating problems before they arise is illustrated by a consideration of the indications for blood transfusion in several clinical situations: e.g. neonatal transfusion-exchange or replacement, cardiopulmonary bypass , specific organ failure (cardiovascular system, the liver and the kidney) and auto-immune haemolytic anaemia. Various potentially adverse reactions are considered primarily with a view to their avoidance.

No abstract